102 reasons to celebrate for Kathleen
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The amazing Kathleen Rahill shows her relaxed composure as she poses for this photograph. Back (from left): Breege O'Reilly, a niece of Kathleen's; Mairead Mellett, proprietor of the Sheelin Nursing Home near Mountnugent and Brona Mackey, Director of Nursing. PHOTOS: Sean McMahonImage 2 of 2
Kathleen Rahill celebrates her 102nd birthday in style.The amazing Kathleen Rahill was in celebratory mood when the Celt called to the Sheelin Nursing Home near Mountnugent recently to mark her 102nd birthday, with family, staff and residents.
“I attribute my long life to eating good healthy food including porridge in the morning and enjoying social occasions and going out dancing. I always loved going to the dances at night,” a content Kathleen told the Celt.
She always loved to dance and still enjoys doing a foxtrot. “I also like to waltz and sing a song. I am very happy in the Sheelin Nursing Home. The staff are very kind to me and I might even get out for a dance today,” she said.
Married to John, a farmer, Kathleen has fond memories of the past. “We used to go to the bog and cut the turf and rear the hay in the Summer time. We enjoyed building the cocks of hay in the Summer sunshine. They are fond memories and the lovely smell of the hay,” recalled Kathleen with a glint in her eyes.
She recalled cycling into Ballinagh for the shopping, when she lived in Carrickalevin, Ballinagh and in Lacken and never had a car. “My father was a farmer and I married a farmer – a good hardy life,” she quipped.
Kathleen explained that they kept cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, turkeys for the Christmas market, hens and chickens and always set potatoes and had loads of fresh vegetables.
She also had green fingers in the garden at home where she grew lovely, colourful flowers. “I particularly liked the hydrangea plants and their beautiful blooms,” she said.
Kathleen is proud of the fact that she was good at Irish at school and answered all the questions at a Feis in Cavan Town to win two months in the Gaeltacht in Ranafast in Donegal.
“I loved my time there and enjoyed the dancing and speaking Irish,” said Kathleen.
Her advice for the rest of us to live a full and long life? “Get on with life and work hard and don’t be concerned about what people say about you. I always say, ‘sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you’,” said a wise Kathleen.